Ability Beyond Disability readies for annual fund-raiser

Published 7:00 pm, Wednesday, January 19, 2005

The two Ridgefield women have co-chaired the Ability Beyond Disability annual gala for the past three years. The fund-raising event, now in its 22nd year, is set for Feb. 12.

Roberts worked at Ability Beyond Disability for three years as head of human resources. She left to become a stay-at-home mother.

"Once I had a child and left, people know I wanted to continue working with the organization," Roberts said.

To continue being a part of the center, Roberts joined the committee that organizes the gala, picking out themes, colors and decorations.

This year's theme is "An Affair of the Heart," which is fitting since the event is two days before Valentine's Day. For Roberts, the theme has another meaning:

"To do these kinds of things, people have to do them from their heart," she said.

Along with raising funds, the gala is the platform for honoring community members who have done extraordinary work. This year's honorees are Ruth and Skitch Henderson and Henry J. and Erna Leir. The $1 million grant the organization received last year is named for the Leirs.

Cox's husband, Kevin, serves as vice chairman of the center's board of directors. He encouraged Cox to attend an annual meeting three years ago, which got her involved in the organization.

Cox said she comes from a pretty large family and counts herself lucky. Roberts feels the same way, which is part of both women's drive to make the gala the best showcase for the organization.

"The people were wonderful; they treat you the same whether you donate a half-million dollars or if you donate time," Cox said.

"It gives people a chance to see what Ability Beyond Disability is all about," said Kim Bragoli, community relations manager for the organization. "People get to see, live and feel what we do."

When Ability Beyond Disability celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2002, it marked the last year the center held the gala at Ethan Allen Hotel. It moved it to the Amber Room Colonnade, where it now can accommodate the more than 400 people, including some of the center's clients, who attend.

In the last three years, the event has added a live band, Nik and the Nice Guys out of Rochester, N.Y., who will make a return this year.

Last year, the gala raised about $150,000. Some of that money came from selling keys to a "treasure chest," filled with goodies including a trip to Cabo San Lucas. The treasure chest is coming back this year and includes a weekend getaway to Manhattan, jewelry, and spa treatment.

"I don't know what parents and people would do without an organization like Ability Beyond Disability," Roberts said. "It's very unique in how it's run and the love shown for consumers. It's all about the consumers and making their lives as rich and normal as possible."